A rescue plan to raise £2 million to complete the Jeanie Johnston famine ship in Tralee has been rejected by its main financial backers.
The ship is a year past its launch date. Up to £8 million has been spent on it and £2 million is needed to ensure it sails to the US this year. Shannon Development, which has already contributed £1 million, says it is now up to the promoters and Kerry County Council to devise an alternative plan.
A special meeting of Kerry County Council on Monday agreed to ask the Taoiseach to intervene to have funds released for the ship.